Refrigerating appliance

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a refrigerating appliance comprising a cabinet with an opening towards the cooled part of the said cabinet, the opening being covered by at least one panel edged with at least one edging element comprising at least one profile having a first part and a second part forming approximately an L, the first part covering the margin of one main face of the panel and the second part covering the edge face of the panel and comprising a recess provided with at least one barb. The resulting refrigerating appliance is structurally very simple, particularly as regards the panel, and it offers the manufacturer great structural flexibility in determining the final shape of the panel.

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerating appliance (or refrigerated appliance or refrigeration appliance), such as a refrigerator, a refrigerating display unit or a freezer, that comprises a cabinet (or box or unit) with at least one opening towards the cooled portion of the said cabinet, and which is covered preferably by at least one “moveable” (i.e. it can be moved, for example sideways—as by sliding—or by pivoting) panel, optionally transparent, such as a lid, a door or a side wall, made for example of glass, the said panel being edged (or framed) with mouldings (or edging or framing element(s)) that can slide or abut hermetically with a casing moulding (or external moulding) in the cabinet opening. The invention also relates to the edged panel and the edging element or elements of the panel.

[0002] It is known practice to have two panes arranged at the same level with their respective surrounding mouldings, these mouldings being Y-shaped and held together by the vertical ribs of the Y. However, this prior art is not applied to a refrigerating appliance. If a manufacturer wishes to design edged panels for refrigerating appliances using the abovementioned panes, his structural flexibility is severely limited because it is difficult to add extra elements to the Y-shaped mouldings without weakening the said mouldings, which is not really satisfactory.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a refrigerating appliance whose structure is very simple, particularly as regards the panel, and which offers the manufacturer great structural flexibility when he is determining the final shape of the panel.

[0004] This object is achieved by the present invention. According to the invention, at least one edging (or framing or surrounding) element (or moulding) of the panel comprises at least one profile (or section or moulding), hereinafter referred to as the “first profile” and having a first part and a second part (or flanges) forming approximately an L, the first part bordering one main face of the panel and the second part covering the edge face of the panel and comprising a recess (or concavity) provided with at least one barb (or hook or projection or rib).

[0005] Generally and preferably according to the invention, the aforesaid edging element also comprises a second profile (or section or moulding) having a first part and a second part (or flanges) forming approximately an L, the first part of the second profile bordering the other main face of the panel (generally opposite the first part of the first profile) while the second part of the second profile is designed to be pressed and retained by means of at least one barb (or hook or projection or rib) in the aforesaid recess (or concavity), which is provided with one or more corresponding barbs, in the second part of the first profile.

[0006] The aforesaid recess is preferably formed in a direction parallel to the edge face of the panel (when considering the profile as positioned on the panel) and it is particularly preferable for it to be cut in a V or in a bevel, as expounded and illustrated later, this embodiment having in particular advantages of a practical nature and in terms of strength, fixing and flexibility. The first profile with its L shape and the recess having at least one barb in the part intended to cover the edge face of the panel, with if necessary bending and cutting in a V (or in a bevel) in the said part and parallel to the edge face, enables a good engagement with complementary parts (particularly the second profile), the resulting edging element offering great flexibility.

[0007] Consequently, according to the present invention, a manufacturer is given great structural flexibility in a very simple manner over the final shape of the edged panel in question.

[0008] The panel can be made up of one or more sheets (or panes or layers) of inorganic material and/or organic material. In a simple and advantageous embodiment of the invention, the panel consists of a sheet of glass, this glass generally being toughened glass. It may be transparent to allow the inside of the cabinet to be seen, and may be printed, died, enamelled, matt-finished or frosted (in the case of glass), or covered with layers, e.g. in order to give it low emissivity (or reflect infrared radiation) to protect objects inside the cabinet from external light and heat. It may also be provided with heating metal leaf or collectors and/or wires and/or layers in order for example to prevent formation of condensation etc.

[0009] According to the invention, at least one edging element, and preferably each edging element of the panel is formed by at least one first profile and preferably by the two profiles as defined earlier, fitted together. The edging (or frame or surround) of the panel can be formed by several edging elements or can advantageously be a single element bent and cut where necessary to conform to the contours of the panel, and formed by at least one first profile, and preferably by both profiles, as mentioned according to the invention.

[0010] In the case of a panel which is approximately horizontal (flat or curved) in the use position, the first profile is preferably that termed the “lower” profile (its first part bordering the underside of the panel or in other words coming under the panel) and, where relevant, the second profile is that termed the “upper” profile (its first part bordering the upper main face of the panel, and resting generally on the panel). However, there is nothing to prevent these panels being arranged vertically or obliquely in the refrigerating appliance. In this case in particular, and more generally, the term “inner profile” (positioned in the cooled portion of the cabinet or on the so-called “inner face” of the panel facing this cooled portion) may be used for one of the profiles, preferably the first profile, and the term “outer profile” (placed on the outside of the cabinet or on the so-called “outer face” of the panel facing towards the exterior) or simply “cap” may be used for the other profile (the structure of this profile generally being simpler than the first profile and serving to conceal the first profile).

[0011] The profiles may be of identical, similar or different material (plastic, metal etc.). In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, they are both plastic. In another embodiment, the inner profile is plastic and the other profile or cap is made of some other material, for example aluminium. These profiles are normally rigid or semi-rigid (the cap can be more flexible than the other profile), and of great length relative to their other dimensions. They are generally and preferably of constant or practically constant cross section (possibly, there may locally be parts such as a handle or possible interruptions of certain parts of the profile). They may be produced for example by moulding, extrusion, optionally with operations of bending and cutting, etc.

[0012] Each profile covers at least (or extends over) part of the height of the edge face of the panel (along part or all of the perimeter of the panel) and only covers one main face (inner or outer) of the panel along its margin (or optionally part of its margin) adjacent to the covered edge face, or in other words each profile covers, wholly or partly, one arris (or sharp edge) of the panel (bordering the inner or outer main face of the panel) and part of the faces either side of the arris. Possibly, the edging element mentioned in the definition of the invention thus includes two profiles each bordering one (different) main face of the panel (each profile covering only the edge face and bordering only one of the main faces adjacent to the edge face, the other face being covered if required by the other profile), each having an L bend and at least one barb. Each part of each profile may be directly in contact with the panel or at a short distance from it, and the intermediate space may be empty or occupied optionally by an adhesive or glue for example and/or by a portion of the other profile (in the case of the part inserted into another part). Note that in the definition of the invention the expressions “bordering” or “covering the edge face” mean “covering at least part of the margin (or edge face, respectively) along at least part of the perimeter of the panel”.

[0013] According to the invention, each profile is composed of two parts forming an L, or each profile has an approximately L-shaped cross section (or right profile); in particular, the two parts of the profile form an angle, on the side facing the arris of the panel to be covered, that is preferably acute or close to 90° (by extension, a shape closer to the V than to the L is also included), and the lengths of the flanges or walls defining the angle are generally different. Usually, particularly for reasons of strength and for e.g. a thin panel consisting essentially of a sheet of glass, when considering the cross section of the profile, the first part of the first profile usually forms the longer leg (or rib or branch) of the L (or flange of the profile) and the second part the shorter leg, whether the length is measured from the inside of the arris (adjacent to the panel) at the junction of the two parts, or from the outer arris of the profile; similarly the first part of the second profile forms the longer leg (or rib or branch) of the L (or flange of the profile) and the second part the shorter leg.

[0014] The first part of the first profile preferably adheres to the chosen main face of the panel (for example, and advantageously, the underside of the panel in the case of a horizontal panel), along the margin of the said panel (or main face) by means of e.g. a double-sided adhesive tape, this method having the advantage that the first profile can be fixed reliably to the panel in a very simple manner.

[0015] Also preferably, the second part of the first profile comes into contact with (or abuts against) or is arranged close to (as illustrated further in FIGS. 3 to 8) the edge face of the panel, and advantageously covers the full height of this edge face.

[0016] Also preferably, the first part of the second profile comes directly into contact with (or abuts against or rests on) the other main face of the panel (for example the top, preferably flat side of the panel in the case of a horizontal panel), along the margin of the said panel or main face, as also illustrated later.

[0017] The profiles are advantageously mounted at least partly “directly” on the panel, that is with no intermediate material between the profiles and the panel, except the optional adhesive on the first part of the first profile. It is notably unnecessary to use an intermediate material to provide a seal, for example. As a preference, therefore, the second part of the first profile and the first part of the second profile cover directly (with no intermediate material) the edge face and the margin of one main face of the panel, or the edging element is fixed directly to (or covers directly) the panel on at least two sides, in particular on its edge face and one of its main faces.

[0018] The two profiles are assembled in a stable and efficient manner by the means described in the definition of the invention, i.e. not only by insertion of a part or protuberance of one into a recess of the other, but also by the presence of barb(s) both on the said part (or protuberance) and the recess, at least one barb on one part engaging with (or being complementary with) at least one barb on the other part in order to fix (or retain) one part securely to the other; in a way, by the clinging or hooking of one barb (of one profile) to the other (of the other profile), these barbs provide a connection between the profiles which is both simple and strong (a “snap-fit” or clip effect), so that the edging element according to the invention has a strong structure while at the same time offering great flexibility (various different elements having this profile can be assembled together). If required, the connection does not prevent subsequent separation of the two profiles if necessary, by forcing and pulling the two profiles.

[0019] The barbs are generally in the form of little continuous or discontinuous protuberances or projections or ribs or hooks or asperities or folds (or bends) running (or extending) along the profiles (or along one wall of the recess of the profile) or along part of their length. In cross section, the length of these projecting parts is in particular less than the length of the flanges of the profiles or of the walls to which they are attached, the barbs preferably forming, with respect to the said flanges or walls, as it were commas or catches or hooks, or the said flanges or walls being curved at their edge to form the said barbs. At least one barb is on one of the profiles, on the second part of the profile (in particular at the edge of this part, e.g. if the edge of this part is bent, the barb being formed by the bent part) and at least one barb is located in (generally at the edge of) the aforesaid recess, the barbs being advantageously mutually complementary. The two profiles can be inserted into each other on part or all of the height of the aforesaid recess. Advantageously (in terms particularly of efficiency and simplicity), a single barb (running the length of at least part of the profile) is provided on each of the parts of the profiles that are to be fitted into each other.

[0020] As mentioned earlier, the recess is preferably cut in a bevel (advantageously on one of its sides) or cut in a V, and receives the protuberance or the part of the other profile, which preferably has the same inclination, thus further improving the connection between the two profiles, as illustrated later (FIGS. 2 to 7). In particular, as illustrated in the preferred embodiments of the invention, the second part of the first profile can have recesses such that it looks somewhat like an N or a laterally inverted N (i.e. seen in a mirror). This embodiment has been found to be very easy to implement in practice.

[0021] Advantageously and generally, the second profile (or cap) has a second very short part (compared to the first part) bent at its edge to form the barb, this short part being just able to snap onto the corresponding barb at the entrance of the recess of the first profile, the direction of the short part being advantageously oblique relative to that of the other part of the profile, as indicated in the previous paragraph. The height of the second part of the second profile is generally less than that of the edge face.

[0022] The second profile is generally fitted after the first profile has been glued in position, to enable the gluing and positioning of the panel to be controlled, and folds or ribs can be provided at the edge of the first part of the profile or profiles, for reasons of e.g. positioning, clamping, sealing and/or appearance.

[0023] Furthermore the first profile may comprise on the face away from the panel an approximately (or substantially) dovetail-shaped recess (or concavity). The walls of the profile defining the said recess can be used as support feet for the said profile when it is placed on underlying panels or frame or structure members. Alternatively the said walls can be designed to house either an approximately or substantially dovetail-shaped protuberance present on a carrier structure or moulding, or a hermetic support element (or portion) providing sealing between the panel or profile and the underlying element or elements on which it rests, this hermetic support element being also provided with a (substantially) dovetail-shaped part or projection. The first profile can consequently be provided with good support on the casing moulding (or the framing of the cabinet or box) of the refrigerating appliance, the carrier moulding optionally being inserted between the first profile and the said casing moulding, the support position optionally be sealed.

[0024] Furthermore the carrier moulding (or support structure or element or profile) may, in accordance with the invention, be essentially L-shaped in cross section, and the shorter part (or leg or flange or rib) of the L may be provided with the dovetail-shaped projection, while the longer part of the L of the carrier moulding may be taller than the height of the first and second profiles in their assembled condition. It is thus possible to arrange two panels one above the other on the casing moulding of the refrigerating appliance such that the panels can if required be moved relative to each other, without damaging each other when moved relative to each other.

[0025] If a hermetic portion is used, this may be designed to cover or abut against the edge (or rim or lip) of the second profile (or upper profile where relevant) of a lower panel, the said edge being directed (or turned) away from or towards the centre of the said panel (or being the edge nearest to or furthest from the centre of the said panel). It is thus easy to establish a hermetic connection between two panels arranged moveably one above the other when the lower profile of the upper panel is resting directly on the upper profile of the lower panel.

[0026] The second profile or outer or upper profile as the case may be may include a protuberance (or handle) projecting approximately at right angle from the plane of the panel (and generally from the longer or first part of the said profile), and possibly running along the length of the profile. This enables a user who wishes to move the panel to grasp the said panel and move it with ease, and if necessary lift it a short distance. This handle may also be mounted directly on the panel.

[0027] Electrodes may be inserted, for example next to the double-sided adhesive tape (if used) or in the dovetail-shaped concavity of the first profile in order to supply current to fine electric wires running (directly or embedded in a matrix) on the panel. It is therefore a simple matter (where relevant) to eliminate condensation on the panel.

[0028] The panel may also, according to the invention, engage with a casing (or external) moulding arranged in the cabinet opening (or a frame defining the said opening), this casing moulding (or frame) being stepped (having a cross section in steps) or in levels. Two panels can therefore be used at different heights (or of different height) and positioned one on top of the other in the refrigerating appliance.

[0029] Also, if the panel is slightly curved, the dovetail-shaped concavity of the first profile can be designed to engage with a fixing moulding (or structure or profile) that has a dovetail-shaped projection and is of, for example, an essentially U-sectioned form to allow it to be fixed to a curved rim or lip of a portion of a lid gable. This embodiment is particularly suitable for cabinet freezers with a curved lid.

[0030] The invention can be modified in a number of ways without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. For example, either or both sides of the long part of either or both of the profiles can be given ribs to reduce friction or for reasons of strength or appearance, etc. The panel may if desired be given a ribbed or grooved edge with the result that adhesion of the profiles to the panel is facilitated.

[0031] The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper portion of a freezer according to the invention and illustrates two panels arranged one above the other and capable of movement relative to each other,

[0033]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a panel according to the invention,

[0034]FIG. 3 is a cross section through an upper panel arranged above a lower panel, the lower moulding (or first profile) on the upper panel being provided with a hermetic portion,

[0035]FIG. 4 is a cross section through two panels resting on the same step of a casing moulding in the refrigerating appliance, where the lower moulding of the upper panel is provided with a carrier moulding,

[0036]FIG. 5 is a cross section through a portion of a panel in which the upper moulding (or second profile) comprises a protuberance with which to move the panel,

[0037]FIG. 6 is a cross section through one embodiment of a panel in which electrodes are inserted in the lower moulding to allow power to be supplied to the said panel,

[0038]FIG. 7 is a cross section through a stepped casing moulding arranged in the cabinet opening, in which one panel can rest on each step of the said casing moulding,

[0039]FIG. 8 is a cross section through an embodiment in which the lower moulding of the panel is provided on the underside with a dovetail-shaped concavity engaging with a projection on a fixing moulding of essentially U-shaped cross section, and in which the U extends around a curved edge on a lid gable portion,

[0040]FIG. 9 is a side view of the panel embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8,

[0041]FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the lower moulding in which the short part of the L is shaped like a laterally reversed N, and

[0042]FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the lower moulding in which the short part of the L is in the shape of an N.

[0043] The refrigerating appliance shown in FIG. 1 takes the form of a freezer 1 and comprises a cabinet 2 with an opening 3. The opening 3 of the cabinet is covered by two moveable transparent glass panels 5′ and 5″ which are edged with edging elements (or profiles or mouldings) 8, 8′. These elements can slide and may be able to abut hermetically against a casing moulding or outer envelope 10 in the cabinet opening 3.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 8, the edging element 8 comprises a first profile or lower profile or lower moulding 11 and a second profile or upper profile or upper moulding 12. The lower profile 11 is. essentially L-shaped in cross section, or more exactly comprises two parts 11 a and 11 b forming an L, the first part 11 a of the first profile, which is the long part of the said L, adhering to the underside (or lower or inner main face 4) of the panel 5′. The second part 11 b of the first profile, which is the short part of the L, abuts against (FIG. 2) or is arranged close to (FIGS. 3 to 8) the edge face 5′a of the panel 5′. The upper profile 12 is also essentially L-shaped in cross section. The first part 12 a of the second profile, which is the long part of this L, abuts against the flat upper (or outer) main face 6 of the panel 5′, while the second part 12 b of the second profile, which is the short part of the L, is designed to be pressed into and retained by means of a barb 12 b′ in a concavity 111 provided with a corresponding barb 11 b′ and positioned in the lower profile 11.

[0045] The adhesion of the lower profile 11 to the underside of the panel may be effected by a double-sided adhesive tape 15 extending along the said lower profile, as shown in FIG. 2, while the other edging element walls next to the panel cover the panel directly (with no intermediate material).

[0046] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, an essentially dovetail-shaped concavity 17 can be provided on the underside of the lower profile 2, and the walls 17 a and 17 b of the profile that define this concavity can thus act as support feet for the lower profile when the said profile is resting directly on the underlying panel frame members. However, the dovetail-shaped concavity 17 is also designed to house a dovetail-shaped projection 19 on a carrier moulding 20, see FIG. 4; alternatively the dovetail-shaped concavity 17 can be designed to house a hermetic support section 22 provided with a dovetail-shaped projection 21, see FIG. 3.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the carrier moulding 20 may be essentially L-sectioned, the long part (or rib) 20 a of the L being taller than the height h of the upper profile 12 and of the lower profile 11 in their assembled condition. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the two panels 5 are arranged one on top of the other in the casing moulding 10′ of the refrigerating appliance.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the hermetic portion 22 may be adapted at one edge 22 a to cover the edge (or rim) 12 a′ of the upper profile on the lower panel 5″, this edge being directed (or leading) towards the centre of the said panel. The hermetic portion 22 may, if desired, be designed to cover the opposite edge of the upper profile 22.

[0049]FIG. 5 shows how the cross section of the upper profile 12 can be provided with a protuberance 24 with which to move the panel. This projects roughly at right angles from the long part 12 a of the said upper profile. The protuberance 24 is usually uninterrupted along the full length of the upper profile, but it may in exceptional circumstances be interrupted at a number of points.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 6, electric electrodes 25 a, 25 b can be inserted alongside the double-sided adhesive tape 15 and in the dovetail-shaped concavity of the lower profile 11 so as to allow power to be supplied to the wires in the window, with the result that the said window can be gently heated to eliminate condensation from the said window.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the panels 5′ and 5″ can engage with a casing moulding 10 which has steps 10 a, 10 b and is arranged in the opening of the cabinet 2. If several steps are present, the panels 5′ and 5″ are usually of different widths, the panel 5′ being slightly wider than the panel 5″.

[0052] If the freezer shown in FIG. 1 is fitted with a slightly curved lid panel instead of one or more flat lid panels, the said slightly curved lid panel is given an end gable with a curved upper rim or lip (FIGS. 8 and 9). FIG. 8 is a cross section showing how the dovetail-shaped concavity 17 of the lower profile 11 fixed to the panel 5′″ can be designed to engage with a fixing moulding 26 that has a dovetail-shaped projection 26 a and an essentially U-shaped cross section. This cross section covers a curved upper rim or lip 28 a on the gable portion 28 of the lid panel.

[0053]FIG. 10 illustrates how the short part 11 b of the lower profile 11 can be in the shape of a laterally reversed N 31. However, it is perfectly possible for this rib to be in the form of a non-inverted N 32 (FIG. 11).

[0054] Thus far the panels 5′, 5″ and 5′″ have been illustrated as being essentially horizontal, but it is perfectly possible for the panels to be arranged vertically or obliquely in the refrigerating appliance. Where the above account has referred to the upper side and lower side of the panels and to the upper profile and lower profile, it is perfectly possible to refer to the outside and inside of the panel and to the outer and inner profiles where these panels are arranged obliquely or vertically.

[0055] The present edging system for the panels 5′, 5″, 5′″ is very flexible, which means that a manufacturer using the system has relatively great flexibility as regards the exact appearance desired for a refrigerating appliance required by a customer.

[0056] The invention can be modified in a variety of ways without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the top side of the long part of the lower profile can be provided with ribs to reduce friction, although this has not been illustrated. The panel, such as the window, may if wished be provided with a ribbed edge with the result that adhesion of the lower profile 11 and the upper profile 12 to the panel are facilitated.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a free edge of the lower profile 11 can be provided with a small clamping rib 11 aa. A corresponding clamping rib can be provided at the edge 12 a′ of the upper profile.

[0058] In conjunction with the drawings, the references above have been to a refrigerating appliance represented by a freezer. However, it is perfectly possible for the refrigerating appliance to be refrigerator, a refrigerating display unit or a refrigerated display cabinet. 

1. Refrigerating appliance (1) comprising a cabinet (2) with at least one opening (3) covered by at least one panel (5′, 5″, 5′″), this panel being edged by at least one edging element (8) comprising at least one first profile (11), this first profile having a first part (11 a) and a second part (11 b) forming approximately an L, the first part bordering one main face (4) of the panel and the second part covering the edge face (5 a′) of the panel and comprising a recess (111) provided with at least one barb (11 b′).
 2. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the edging element also comprises a second profile (12) having a first part (12 a) and a second part (12 b) forming approximately an L, the first part of the second profile bordering the other main face (6) of the panel and the second part of the second profile being designed to be pressed and retained by means of at least one barb (12 b′) in the recess, which is provided with one or more corresponding barbs, in the second part of the first profile.
 3. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one barb on the second part of the first profile engages with at least one barb on the second part of the second profile to fix the two parts together securely.
 4. Refrigerating appliance according to either of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the two parts intended to fit together are each provided with one barb.
 5. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the panel is a sheet of glass.
 6. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the profile or profiles are plastic profiles.
 7. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each profile covers the edge face, wholly or partly, and covers only the margin or part of the margin of one main face of the panel adjacent to its edge face.
 8. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least part of a profile covers the panel directly or the edging element covers the panel directly on at least two sides.
 9. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the recess is formed in a direction parallel to the edge face of the panel and is cut in a V or in a bevel in the second part of the first profile.
 10. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first part of each of the profiles is longer than the second part of the same profile.
 11. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the adhesion of the first part of the first profile to the main face of the panel is provided by a double-sided adhesive tape (15).
 12. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that on the side facing away from the panel, the first profile comprises an essentially dovetail-shaped concavity (17), the walls (17 a, 17 b) of the profile defining which concavity can be used as support feet for the said profile when it is placed on underlying elements, or the said walls can be designed to house either an essentially dovetail-shaped projection (19) on a carrier moulding (20), or a hermetic support portion (22) provided with an essentially dovetail-shaped projection (21).
 13. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that the carrier moulding is essentially L-shaped in cross section, and in that the short rib of the L is provided with the dovetail-shaped projection, and in that the long rib (20 a) of the L of the carrier moulding is taller than the height of the edging element.
 14. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that the hermetic portion is designed to cover the edge (12 a′) of the upper profile on a lower panel (5″), the said edge being turned away from or turned towards the centre of the said panel (5′).
 15. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one profile is provided with a handle (24).
 16. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that electric electrodes (25 a, 25 b) are inserted on the first profile in order to be able to supply electric wires.
 17. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the panel can engage with a casing moulding (10) of stepped cross section (10 a, 10 b) arranged in the opening of the cabinet.
 18. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the panel (5′″) is slightly curved about an axis, in such a way as to form a curved lid, and in that the first profile has a dovetail-shaped concavity (17) designed to engage with a fixing moulding (26) that has a dovetail-shaped projection (26 a) and is of essentially U-shaped cross section so as to be fixed to a curved rim or lip (28 a) on a lid gable portion (28).
 19. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the second part of the first profile is in the shape of an N (32) or of a laterally reversed N (31).
 20. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the first part of the first profile borders that main face of the panel which faces the cooled part of the cabinet.
 21. Refrigerating appliance (1), such as a refrigerator, a refrigerating display unit or a freezer, and that comprises a cabinet (2) with at least one opening (3) towards the cooled portion of the said cabinet, and that is covered preferably by at least one moveable, optionally transparent panel (5′, 5″, 5′″), such as a lid, a door or a side wall of, for example, glass, the said panel being edged with mouldings (11, 12) that can slide or abut hermetically with a casing moulding (10) in the opening (3) of the cabinet, characterized in that each edged moulding comprises an essentially L-sectioned lower moulding (11), the long rib (11 a) of the moulding adhering to the underside of the panel (5′, 5″) and the short rib (16) of the said moulding abutting against or being arranged close to the short edge face (5′a) of the said panel, as well as an essentially L-sectioned upper moulding (12), the long rib (12 a) of the said moulding abutting against the flat top side of the panel (5′, 5″) while the short rib (12 b) of the said moulding is designed to be pressed into and retained by means of at least one barb (12 b′) in a concavity (111) provided with one or more corresponding barbs (11 b′) in the short rib of the said lower moulding (11).
 22. Panel edged with at least one edging element, this element comprising at least one first profile having a first part and a second part forming approximately an L, the first part bordering one main face of the panel and the second part covering the edge face of the panel and comprising a recess provided with at least one barb.
 23. Panel according to claim 22, characterized in that the edging element also comprises a second profile having a first part and a second part forming approximately an L, the first part of the second profile bordering the other main face of the panel and the second part of the second profile being designed to be pressed and retained by at least one barb in the recess, which is provided with one or more corresponding barbs, in the second part of the first profile.
 24. Edging element comprising at least one first profile having a first part and a second part forming approximately an L, the first part being intended to border one main face of a panel and the second part being intended to cover the edge face of the said panel and comprising a recess provided with at least one barb.
 25. Edging element according to claim 24, characterized in that the edging element also comprises a second profile having a first part and a second part forming approximately an L, the first part of the second profile being intended to border the other main face of the panel and the second part of the second profile being designed to be pressed and retained by means of at least one barb in the recess, which is provided with one or more corresponding barbs, in the second part of the first profile. 